Method and apparatus for selecting objects to be formed into groups

ABSTRACT

Method and apparatus for classifying a supply of objects having a common characteristic, such as size or weight, which is randomly distributed throughout the individual objects into groups in which the total value of all of the objects in each group will be the same, in which the random supply is divided into types having narrow ranges of said values, and the final groups are selected from the subdivided groups according to prearranged programs which are designed to utilize more of the objects which predominate in the random supply at the time the groups are selected.

United States Patent 1191 Soler et al. 1451 1311.2, 1973 [54] METHOD ANDAPPARATUS FOR [56] References Cited SELECTING OBJECTS TO BE FORMED INTOGROUPS UNITED STATES PATENTS r 3,557,889 1/1971 Rejsa ..177/123 X [75] 13,073,399 1/1963 Durand ..177/122 x 23:? bmh Bafcekma 2,727,733 12/1955Carswell ..177/70 [73] Assignee: Mateo Greu llljos, S.A., Barcelona, 'fExaminer-Allen Know! Spain ASSlSlflnl Examiner-Gene A. ChurchAttorney-Lyon & Lyon and Christen 8L Sabol [22] F1led: Sept. 21,1971 211App]. No.: 182,460 [571 ABSTRACT Method and apparatus for classifying asupplyof ob- 30 F jects having a common characteristic, such as s1ze ororelgn Application Priority Data weight, which is randomly distributedthroughout the Sept. 21, 1970 Spain ..384,l71 individual objects intogroups in which the total value of all of the objects in each group willbe the same, in [52] US. Cl. ..177/1, 177/70, 177/122, which the randomsupply is divided into types having 209/121 narrow ranges of saidvalues, and the final groups are [51] Int. Cl. ..G01g 19/22 Selectedfrom the subdivided groups according to [58] Field of Search .....l77/1,70, 122, 123; 209/121 prearranged programs which are designed to utilizemore of the objects which predominate in the random supply at the timethe groups are selected.

21 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures P'ATENTEDJAH ems 3.708,025

SHEET 2 or 3 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SELECTING OBJECTS TO BE FORMEDINTO GROUPS The present invention relates to a method and apparatus forcounting similar objects previously classified into classes with respectto size, weight or any mediately prior to the packing step must be theselecting of a certain number of oranges which, together, have theweight desired for each bag, whereby generally an error range of j: 2percent is permitted.

Forthis purpose it is sufficient topreviously calculate the approximateaverage weight of the oranges and to take the necessary number oforanges in order to obtain the previously desired weight. Obviously,however, it would practically be impossible to attain the correct weightwhen the number of oranges is not very high, since in most of the casesthe established error range of i 2 percent would largely be surpassed.In practice, however, this is the most frequent case, since theapproximate average weight of an orange ranges between 150 and 300 g.,so that the number-of oranges usually contained in a bag holding 1 kgthereof varies between six and three.

To avoid this disadvantage it is already known to arrange the oranges ingroups previously classified by weight, so that when a desiredcombination is selected, comprising a predetermined number of oranges ofeach different weight group, this combination provides a total number oforanges which exactly weigh the previously established weight or atleast remain within the permitted error l'imits.'This system has thedrawback that, assuming that the classification of the oranges is madein groups of l0, in increments of grams, the number of groups used inthe combination is much smaller than the total number thereof, so that agreat number of oranges will remain unpacked unless the selectedcombination is changed from-time to time, which is very difficult toachieve with the known methods. I

in addition, assuming that the installation to carry out an automaticpacking process of oranges is provided with means to continuously feedoranges, it is possible that the oranges fedwill define a distributionrange over the established groups which considerably departs from astandard distribution, which means that among the oranges fed there maybe a much higher number of them in one or more of the groups compared tothe remainder, or else that one or more groups may not include anyoranges.

The object of the present invention isto provide a method and apparatuscapable of offering a plurality of combinations or programs as well asan automatic and instantaneous control of the feeding of the oranges,

which leads to the packing device, so that there is always a minimalnumber of oranges in each one of the groups and that the entry oforanges into the counting apparatus is interrupted as. soon as there-ismore than one group having a number of oranges exceeding a predeterminedmaximal amount.

Basically, the method according to the invention is characterized by thesteps of guiding each class of objects having similar, or analogouscharacteristicsv into respective independent feeding channels,predetermining respective maximal and-minimal numbers of objects in eachchannel, positioning respective sensing devices in each channel toreport when the predetermined maximal and minimal numbers of objects areexceeded, whereby each sensing device sends a signal to a firstelectronic circuit which orders the start of the counting process whenall channels have at least the minimal number of objects and at leastone channel has the maximal number of objects, and wherein the firstelectronic circuit stops the feeding of objects when more than onechannel has the maximal number of objects,

and transmits the signal of the respective sensing device of the maximalnumber of objects to a second electronic circuit which commands acounting device to carry out a counting program previously selected'fromseveral programs by the second electronic circuit, whereby the countingdevice subsequently releases a certain number of objects per channel,according to said program.

An apparatus according to the invention to carry out this methodessentially comprises a plurality of feeding channels provided each withrespective sensing devices for the maximal and minimal numbers ofobjects contained therein. These sensing devices may comprise respectivemicro-switches which send their signals to a first electronic circuit,and are also connected to a second electronic circuit including aprogram selector device having as many different programs as differentfeeding channels are provided on the apparatus.

According to another feature of the apparatus of the invention eachchannel of the counting device is provided with a pivoted end portionhaving a plurality of successive restraining elements susceptible ofbeing withdrawn, independently from each other, from their restrainingpositions to permit free passage of the objects, being again returned totheir restraining positions before a new counting cycle is started.

According to a further feature of the invention the pivoted end portionand the movable restraining elements are controlled by impulsesindependent from each other and sent by:said second electronic circuit,with the exception of the restraining element most distant from thepivoted end portion, which is fixed.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing description of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of theinvention applicable, for example, for packing oranges into bags, inconnection with the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic sideview of a channel of the countingdevice, having its pivoted end portion in an elevated position;

FIG. 3 shows the same channel of FIG. 2, also in an enlarged schematicside view, but in a position for releasing two oranges; V

FIG. 4 is a further enlarged side view of one of the restrainingelements; and

FIG. is a diagram indicating the operation of the process.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings the apparatus accordingto the invention comprises a frame structure 1 carrying five feedingchannels 2 mounted thereon, which guide the oranges '3 (only shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 for purposes of a better understanding of the function ofthe apparatus) to the counting device 4 schematically shown in FIGS. 2and 3. The channels 2 are each provided with respective sensing devices5 and 6 for reporting the presence of maximal and minimal numbers ofobjects, respectively, located in the channels and which may comprisemicroswitches, photoelectric cells, or other known devices, which sendtheir signals to a first electronic circuit 7 (FIG. 5). The sensingdevices 5 for the maximal number of objects in each channel areadditionally connected to a second electronic circuit 8 which includesan automatic program selector 9 having as many different programs asfeeding channels 2 are provided on the apparatus, that is: fivedifferent programs in the present example.

Each channel 2 of the counting device 4 is provided with a pivotedendportion 10 and with three restraining elements 11a, 11b and 110, in theexample illustrated in the drawings, each of the restraining elementsincluding a flexible bar 12 secured to an overhead arm 13. The number ofarms 13 corresponds to the number which rests at 34 on the frame of theelectromagnet 31 and is subjected at its end opposite to the leg 29 tothe continuous action of a tension spring 35 as shown in of channels 2and are mounted for rotation around an axis 14 fixed to the frame 1 ofthe apparatus when the ends 15 of the arms 13 are simultaneously liftedor lowered by means of a link 16 pivotally connected at 17 to one end ofa lever 18. The lever 18 is pivoted at its other end to a pivot point 19of the frame structure and is actuated by the link 20 which cooperateswith a crank 21 connected to a rotary driving means, such as an electricmotor, schematically represented by numeral 21a.

The pivoted end portions 10 are lowered and elevated as a result of thecorresponding lowering or elevating movements of respective levers 22associated therewith. The lower parts of the portions 10 rest on theselevers 22 by means of small rollers 23. The portions 10 can rotate aboutrespective hinges 24 when the levers 22 rotate about respective pivotpoints 25, while each lever 22 is constantly subjected to the action ofa tension spring 26 secured to a fixed point 27 of the frame structure 1and which urges the lever 22 to remain in its elevated position, so thatthe corresponding pivoted end portion 10 also remains in its elevatedposition. The lowering movement of each lever 22 is accomplished byactivating a respective electromagnet 28, the magnetic force of whichovercomes the action of the corresponding spring 26 when the magnet isactuated by means of an impulse sent by the second elecsolid'lines inFIG. 4. However, when the electromagnet 3]. receives an impulse, thelever 33 is attracted by the magnet and its free end is withdrawn fromthe step 32 of the leg 29, so that the flexible bar 12 is unblocked tomove to the position shown in broken lines in FIG. 4."

Each pivoted end portion 10 as well as each movable restraining element11a, 11b is actuated by independent impulses sent by the secondelectronic circuit 8 (FIG. 5), whereas the restraining elements arefixedly secured to their respective arms 13.

In the present embodiment the oranges are fed to the channels 2 and movealong the same by gravity. How'- ever, it is apparent that any othertype of feeding means could be provided without altering the essence ofthe invention.

The first and second electronic circuits 7 and 8, respectively, may beformed of printed circuit plates comprising several gates and amplifierspreferably utilizing silicon semiconductors.

A set of restraining rollers, generally indicated by reference numeral36, are freely rotatably mounted on the frame on a fixed axis 37. Acollector is indicated by numeral 38, and a device, known per se, toimprove the advancement by gravity of the objects located in thechannels 2, as will be described later on, is indicated by numerals 39and 40.

The apparatus to realize the method of the present invention works asfollows:

The oranges 3, previously classified by weight into five classes, areguided into the fivefeeding channels 2. Respective maximal and minimalnumbers of objects are predetermined to be received in each channel andthe respective sensing devices 5 and 6 are positioned at the desiredlocations to signal when the predetermined maximal and minimal numbersof oranges are attained, in which cases each sensing device 5, 6 sends asignal to the first electronic circuit 7 (FIG. 5) which commands thestart of the counting operation when all the channels 2 have at leastthe minimal number of oranges and at least one of the channels has themaximal number of oranges. The first electronic circuit also commandsthe stopping of the feeding process if there is more than one channel 2with the maximal number of oranges. The signalof the correspondingsensing device 5 of the maximal number of oranges is also sent to thesecond electronic circuit 8 which commands the counting device 4, byactuating the motor 21a driving crank 21 and by sending correspondingimpulses to the electromagnets 31 and 28 which respectively control therestraining elements 111: and 11b and the pivoted portions 10, to carryout a counting program previously selected from several programs by thesecond electronic circuit 8, after which the counting device 4 releasesa certain number of oranges from each channel 2, according to saidprogram.

Thus, for example, in FIG. 2 the arm 13 and the pivoted end portion 10are in elevated position, while the oranges 3 are supported in channel 2by the corresponding roller 36 which is freely rotatable around the axis37 fixed to the frame structure 1. r

FIG. 3 shows the position in which the arm 13 an the pivoted portion 10are lowered, while the first objects of each feeding channel.

v Subsequently, a numeric example is given for a better understanding ofthe invention.

EXAMPLE It is assumed that the channels A, B, C, D and E are providedwith oranges having weights of approximately 150, 160, 170, 180 and 190g., respectively, that each count of six oranges has to result in atotal weight of 1,000 g., plus g. for shrinkage up to the moment ofconsumption, that only four programs have been introduced correspondingto the channels A, B, C, and D, and that the sensing device 5 of themaximal number of channel E is disconnected, so that channel E will onlybe used as an auxiliary to compose the programs in case the maximumcorresponds to channel A or channel B. Thus, according to the programselected by the second electronic circuit 8, one of the subsequentlyspecified counts will result:

PROGRAM A (Signal to release oranges from counting device 4 intocollector 38 initiated by maximal sensing device 5, of channel A.)

3 oranges of channel A: 3 X 150 450g 2 oranges of channel E: 2 X 190380g 1 orange of channel D l x l80= l80g TOTAL: 1,010;

PROGRAM B (Signal initiated by sensing device 5, of channel B) 3 orangesof channel B: 3 160 480g 2 oranges of channelC: 2 X I70 340g 1 orange ofchannel E l X 190 190g TOTAL: l,0l0g

PROGRAM C (Signal initiated by sensing device 5, of channel C) 3 orangesof channel C: 3 X 170 =-5l0g 2 oranges of channel B: 2 X l60 320g lorange of channel D l X 180 180g TOTAL: 1 ,0 1 0g Thus, it will beobvious that the purpose of the minimal sensing devices 6. is'to ensurethat all of the channels in the counting device 4 are filled prior tothe release of any objects to the collector 38 so that what- 'everprogram of grouping is selected in response to a signal from one of themaximal sensing devices 5, there will be sufficient objects in eachchannel to comply with that program. On the other hand, the purpose ofthe maximal sensing devices 5 is to ensure'that the program selectedwill utilize more of the objects falling into the classification of thechannel in question, since the channel in which the maximal sensingdevice 5 is first to initiate the signal to actuate the counting device4 will obviously contain the class of articles which is most numerous atthe time the counting device is actuated.

The advantage of this system is its flexibility, because it immediatelyadapts to changes in the proportions of objects being classified. Forexample, in the packaging of a large shipment of oranges, the initialrun mayinclude a disproportionate quantity of large size, or weight,oranges, causing the selection of program A more frequently than not.If, however, during such a run" there should suddenly appear anextremely large proportion of smaller oranges, the programs wouldimmediately be shifted to release groups of articles to collector 38 inwhich the predominant portion, numerically, would be the smalleroranges.

Furthermore, the electrical connections for the various circuits havenot been shown in detail in the drawings for thesake of clarity but itshould be obvious that arrangements to enable the sensing devices 5 and6 to actuate the circuits 7 and 8 are well known and capable ofaccomplishment by those skilled. It should also be obvious that, sincethe programs A, B, C, and D merely require in each case that thecircuits for predetermined sets of electromagnets for the restrainingdevices be energized in response to a specific signal, the design ofstorage and actuating circuits to accomplish this is well within thescope of the prior art, as well as triggering circuits to energize themotor 21a and the electromagnetic 28 in proper sequence.

The above described apparatus can also be used as a simple countingdevice of unclassified objects, if the program selector is replaced bysimple commutators adapted to determine the number of elements which areto be included in each count. v

The method and apparatus of the present invention permit, prior to thecounting operation, to carry out an operation which provides forcomplete automation in the control of the object feeding processdepending upon the variable characteristic according to which theobjects have been previously classified. In the present case, involvingthe packing of oranges, previously classified by weight into groups, anextremely high production speed can be attained which is onlylimitedbythe initial weighing operation of the oranges. With apparatusaccording to the invention, provided with five channels and grouping therequired oranges in each count to obtain a weight of 1 kg, a possibleproduction would be approximately 1,800 kg per hour, which isconsiderably higher than the quantity which an operator could pack witha semi-automatic bag closing machine.

Another of the main advantages of the apparatus of the invention residesin the fact that there is practically no mechanical wear, since themovements of the movable parts are very short and the mechanical stressis small, while the electronic components of the apparatus are notsubjected to any wear at all.

lt is apparent that variations can be made and accessories be includedin the apparatus of the invention, such as for instance in the feedingsystem, without al tering the essence of the invention. Thus, a devicecan be provided to facilitate the advancement by gravity of the orangesand to prevent obstructions in the channels 2, whereby, according to aknown embodiment, this device may consist of a bar 39 longitudinallyarranged within the center of each channel 2 and periodically subjectedto a vertical reciprocating movement originated by the lever assembly40.

Other modifications and improvements may be made in the apparatus whichwould be obvious to those skilled in the art which would come within thescope of the invention.

We claim:

r 1. Method of classifying a supply of randomly distributed similarobjects, each having a common characteristic which ranges between apredictable maximal value and a predictable minimal value for eachobject, and arranging selected pluralities of said objects into groupsin which the sum of the values of said common characteristic of all ofthe objects in each group is approximately the same, comprising thesteps of subdividing the range of said predictable maximal and minimalvalues into a plurality of fractional increments to define a pluralityof classes of said objects, each said class of objects having individualvalues of said common characteristic which falls within the range of aparticular increment defining the class, providing a plurality ofdifferent programs for selecting objects to comprise one of said groupsof objects, each said program containing a different proportion ofobjects from different classes, subdividing said randomly distributedobjects into said classes prior to arrival at a selection point,accumulating said subdivided objects at said selection point, selectingone of said programs in accordance with the proportionate number ofobjects of different classes accumulated, and selecting the number ofobjects of each class designated by the selected program from theaccumulated objects.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the common characteristic of saidobjects is their weight.

3. The method of claim 1, which includes the steps of feeding saidobjects to said selection point in sequence,

and a predetermined number of each class of said objects is accumulatedprior'to the selection of one of said programs.

4.The method of claim 3, which includes the steps accumulating apredetermined minimal number of objects of all classes and apredetermined maximal number of objects of one class prior to theselection of one of said programs.

5. The method of claim 4, which includes the steps of providing at leastone program which designates a preponderance of articles of one class tobe selected to form a group, and selecting said program when the maximalnumber of objects of that class has been accumulated. a 7

6. The method of claim 5, which includes the steps of providing aplurality of said programs eachdesignating a preponderance of articlesof a different class,"and selecting the program in which thepreponderance of objects designated corresponds to the class of whichthe maximal number of objects has been accumulated.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the common characteristic of saidobjects is their weight.

8. In apparatus for classifying a supply of randomly distributed similarobjects, each having a common characteristic which ranges between apredictable maximal value and a predictable minimal value for eachobject, and arranging selected pluralities of said objects into groups,said range of predictable values being subdivided into a plurality offractional increments to define a plurality of classes of said objects,the improvement which includes a plurality of channels for independentlysequentially conveying objects of each of said respective classes, meanstoaccumulate pluralites of said objects at a selection point, sensingmeans to detect the presence of a preponderance of objects of any oneclass thus accumulated, and means to selectively release a plurality ofdifferent combinations of classes of objects from said selection pointto form successive ones of said groups.

9. Apparatus defined in claim 8, wherein said means to selectivelyrelease said combinations of objects includes electronic circuit meansresponsive to said sensing means.

10. Apparatus defined in claim 9, wherein said electronic circuit meansincludes a plurality of predetermined programs, each of said programsbeing respectively actuated in response to detection of a preponderanceof objects of a particular class.

11. Apparatus defined in claim 10, wherein said sensing means includesmeans cooperating with each of said channels to detect a predeterminedminimal number of objects and a maximal number of objects accumulated insaid channel, and said electronic circuit means includes first circuitmeans connected with all of said means to detect objects in saidchannels to provide a signal when all of said channels have accumulatedthe minimal number of objects and one channel has accumulated a maximalnumber of objects, and second circuit connected with said first circuitmeans, all of said maximal object detecting means and said releasingmeans, said second circuit including means to select a plurality ofpredetermined programs corresponding to the number of classes ofobjects, and to select the corresponding program to release a group ofobjects in response to a signal from one of said maximal objectdetecting means,

12. Apparatus defined in claim 8, wherein said sensing means includesfirst and second electrical switching means for each of said channels,each of said first switching means being actuated by the presence of anaccumulation of a predetermined minimal number of objects in thechannel, each of said second switching means being actuated by thepresence of an accumulation of a predetermined maximal number of objectsin the channel, and circuit means connecting all of said first andsecond switching means to provide an electrical signal when all of saidfirst switching'means and at least one of said second switching meanshave been actuated.

13. Apparatus defined in claim 12, wherein said means to selectivelyrelease objects includes a plurality of electrically operablerestraining means for each of said channels, each of said restrainingmeans being movable between a first position to immobilize an objectaccumulated in the channel at the selection point and a second positionto release said object, said restraining means being arranged toimmobilize objects successively positioned in the channel, whereby thenumber of objects released from each channel is controlled by the numberof restraining means actuated to said second position.

14. Apparatus defined in claim 13, wherein said restraining means arenormally positioned in said first position, and are connected in saidcircuit means connecting said switching means to provide said electricalI signal, said circuit means also including means to actuate at leastone of said restraining means to said second position when said signalhas been provided.

15. Apparatus defined in claim 14, wherein said circuit means includesmeans selectively responsive to the signal provided by each of saidsecond switching means to actuate selectively predetermined arrangementsof pluralities of said restraining means to their respective secondpositions.

16. Apparatus defined in claim 13, wherein said channel for accumulatingobjects are inclined to induce movement of said articles inone directionby gravity, and said means to accumulate objects includes mounting meansfor said restraining means movable between a first position and a secondposition, said restraining means including an arm supported by saidmounting means for contact with an object in a channel when saidmounting means and said restraining means are both in their firstpositions, said arm being out of possible contact with an object whensaid mounting means is in said second position, whereby when saidmounting means is in said second position objects can freely accumulatein said channels.

17. Apparatus defined in claim 16, wherein said restraining meansinclude electromagnetic devices mounted on a framework, said frameworkbeing pivotally mounted at one end, and electric motor means connectedwith said one end to raise and lower said framework.

18. Apparatus defined in claim 16, wherein said means to accumulateobjects includes means disposed at the lowermost end of each of saidchannels movable between a first position to block the movement of anobject in the channel and a second positionfor unobstructed movement ofan article.

19. Apparatus defined in claim 18, wherein said means to block movementof an object includes an element pivotally mounted at the extremity of achannel, and a second element mounted at said extremity and coactingwith said pivotally mounted element in said second position to blocksaid movement.

20. Apparatus defined in claim 19, wherein said means to block movementof an object includes electrical actuating means to move said pivotallymounted element between said two positions.

21. Apparatus defined in claim 20, wherein said electrical actuatingmeans includes circuit means controlling the actuating means to releaseobjects from the channels when said restraining means are positioned torelease objects in accordance with a predetermined program.

mirth-"STATES rAEENE osmtt I shi t-Helm orens-memos i PatentNo. 3,7 5 IA pag January 2 1-973 lnventofls) Federico Martinez Soler and JacintoSalvado Go mez It is certified that error appears in theabove-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are herebycorrected as shown below:

In item [72] correct the accent marks in the following inventor's nameto read -Jacinto Salvado Go mez-.

Correct the assignees name in item [73] to read --MATEO GRAU E. HIJOS,S.A..

Correct the attorney to read --Christen & Sabol-.

Signed and sealed this 29th day of May 1973. 1

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Commissionerof Patents F ORM PO-1050 (10-69) USCOMM-DC 60376-P69 v U45GOVERNMENT-PRINTING OFFICE I969 O366-334.

matte SRAKE EL ATENT ormer Patent No. 3-, 7 5 ate- January '2 1973Inventor) Federico Martinez Soler and Jacinto Salvado Go mez It iscertified that error appears in the above-identified patent and thatsaid Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In item [72] correct the accent marks in the following inventor's nameto read -Jacinto Salvado Go mez Correct the assignee's name in item [73]to read --MATEO GRAU E. HIJOS, S.A..

Correct the attorney to read -Christen & Sabol-.

Signed and sealed this 29th day of May- 19 73.-

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD 1 @.FLBTCHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer vCommissioner of Patents FORM po'wso (10459) USCOMM-DC scam-ps9 t U45.GOVERHMENTPRINTNG OFFICE 2 I969 0"366334,

1. Method of classifying a supply of randomly distributed similarobjects, each having a common characteristic which ranges between apredictable maximal value and a predictable minimal value for eachobject, and arranging selected pluralities of said objects into groupsin which the sum of the values of said common characteristic of all ofthe objects in each group is approximately the same, comprising thesteps of subdividing the range of said predictable maximal and minimalvalues into a plurality of fractional increments to define a pluralityof classes of said objects, each said class of objects having individualvalues of said common characteristic which falls within the range of aparticular increment defining the class, providing a plurality ofdifferent programs for selecting objects to comprise one of said groupsof objects, each said program containing a different proportion ofobjects from different classes, subdividing said randomly distributedobjects into said classes prior to arrival at a selection point,accumulating said subdivided objects at said selection point, selectingone of said programs in accordance with the proportionate number ofobjects of different classes accumulated, and selecting the number ofobjects of each class designated by the selected program from theaccumulated objects.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the commoncharacteristic of said objects is their weight.
 3. The method of claim1, which includes the steps of feeding said objects to said selectionpoint in sequence, and a predetermined number of each class of saidobjects is accumulated prior to the selection of one of said programs.4. The method of claim 3, which includes the steps accumulating apredetermined minimal number of objects of all classes and apredetermined maximal number of objects of one class prior to theselection of one of said programs.
 5. The method of claim 4, whichincludes the steps of providing at least one program which designates apreponderance of articles of one class to be selected to form a group,and selecting said program when the maximal number of objects of thatclass has been accumulated.
 6. The method of claim 5, which includes thesteps of providing a plurality of said programs each designating apreponderance of articles of a different class, and selecting theprogram iN which the preponderance of objects designated corresponds tothe class of which the maximal number of objects has been accumulated.7. The method of claim 6, wherein the common characteristic of saidobjects is their weight.
 8. In apparatus for classifying a supply ofrandomly distributed similar objects, each having a commoncharacteristic which ranges between a predictable maximal value and apredictable minimal value for each object, and arranging selectedpluralities of said objects into groups, said range of predictablevalues being subdivided into a plurality of fractional increments todefine a plurality of classes of said objects, the improvement whichincludes a plurality of channels for independently sequentiallyconveying objects of each of said respective classes, means toaccumulate pluralites of said objects at a selection point, sensingmeans to detect the presence of a preponderance of objects of any oneclass thus accumulated, and means to selectively release a plurality ofdifferent combinations of classes of objects from said selection pointto form successive ones of said groups.
 9. Apparatus defined in claim 8,wherein said means to selectively release said combinations of objectsincludes electronic circuit means responsive to said sensing means. 10.Apparatus defined in claim 9, wherein said electronic circuit meansincludes a plurality of predetermined programs, each of said programsbeing respectively actuated in response to detection of a preponderanceof objects of a particular class.
 11. Apparatus defined in claim 10,wherein said sensing means includes means cooperating with each of saidchannels to detect a predetermined minimal number of objects and amaximal number of objects accumulated in said channel, and saidelectronic circuit means includes first circuit means connected with allof said means to detect objects in said channels to provide a signalwhen all of said channels have accumulated the minimal number of objectsand one channel has accumulated a maximal number of objects, and secondcircuit connected with said first circuit means, all of said maximalobject detecting means and said releasing means, said second circuitincluding means to select a plurality of predetermined programscorresponding to the number of classes of objects, and to select thecorresponding program to release a group of objects in response to asignal from one of said maximal object detecting means.
 12. Apparatusdefined in claim 8, wherein said sensing means includes first and secondelectrical switching means for each of said channels, each of said firstswitching means being actuated by the presence of an accumulation of apredetermined minimal number of objects in the channel, each of saidsecond switching means being actuated by the presence of an accumulationof a predetermined maximal number of objects in the channel, and circuitmeans connecting all of said first and second switching means to providean electrical signal when all of said first switching means and at leastone of said second switching means have been actuated.
 13. Apparatusdefined in claim 12, wherein said means to selectively release objectsincludes a plurality of electrically operable restraining means for eachof said channels, each of said restraining means being movable between afirst position to immobilize an object accumulated in the channel at theselection point and a second position to release said object, saidrestraining means being arranged to immobilize objects successivelypositioned in the channel, whereby the number of objects released fromeach channel is controlled by the number of restraining means actuatedto said second position.
 14. Apparatus defined in claim 13, wherein saidrestraining means are normally positioned in said first position, andare connected in said circuit means connecting said switching means toprovide said electrical signal, said circuit means also including meansto actuate at least one of said restraining means to said Secondposition when said signal has been provided.
 15. Apparatus defined inclaim 14, wherein said circuit means includes means selectivelyresponsive to the signal provided by each of said second switching meansto actuate selectively predetermined arrangements of pluralities of saidrestraining means to their respective second positions.
 16. Apparatusdefined in claim 13, wherein said channel for accumulating objects areinclined to induce movement of said articles in one direction bygravity, and said means to accumulate objects includes mounting meansfor said restraining means movable between a first position and a secondposition, said restraining means including an arm supported by saidmounting means for contact with an object in a channel when saidmounting means and said restraining means are both in their firstpositions, said arm being out of possible contact with an object whensaid mounting means is in said second position, whereby when saidmounting means is in said second position objects can freely accumulatein said channels.
 17. Apparatus defined in claim 16, wherein saidrestraining means include electromagnetic devices mounted on aframework, said framework being pivotally mounted at one end, andelectric motor means connected with said one end to raise and lower saidframework.
 18. Apparatus defined in claim 16, wherein said means toaccumulate objects includes means disposed at the lowermost end of eachof said channels movable between a first position to block the movementof an object in the channel and a second position for unobstructedmovement of an article.
 19. Apparatus defined in claim 18, wherein saidmeans to block movement of an object includes an element pivotallymounted at the extremity of a channel, and a second element mounted atsaid extremity and coacting with said pivotally mounted element in saidsecond position to block said movement.
 20. Apparatus defined in claim19, wherein said means to block movement of an object includeselectrical actuating means to move said pivotally mounted elementbetween said two positions.
 21. Apparatus defined in claim 20, whereinsaid electrical actuating means includes circuit means controlling theactuating means to release objects from the channels when saidrestraining means are positioned to release objects in accordance with apredetermined program.